Italy Under-21 coach Silvio Baldini took the unusual step of announcing his starting XI ahead of tomorrow’s European qualifier in Sweden. ‘We are making just one change.’
The fixture kicks off in Boras on Tuesday at 17.30 UK time.
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The Azzurrini are currently second in Group E on 18 points compared to Poland’s 21, while Sweden picked up 10 points from their seven matches so far.
Italy are fresh off a 4-0 victory over North Macedonia and Baldini is keeping his team largely intact.
Baldini puts faith in Italy U21 team
CREMONA – OCTOBER 14: Coach Silvio Baldini of Italy reacts during the UEFA Euro U21 Qualification match between Italy and Armenia at Stadio Giovanni Zini on October 14, 2025 in Cremona. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)
“The only change we’ll make is bringing in Seydou Fini, because Luigi Cherubini has a slight back ache, but will be available off the bench,” said the coach in his press conference.
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“We can’t kid around with Sweden, who are physically strong, and we’ve got to make sure that we press them back, not the other way around.
“To achieve that, we need a high tempo, intensity, and be sure to win it back quickly when we lose the ball. I think Sweden will be set out in a 4-4-2 in possession, and a 4-3-1-2 off the ball, alternating with the 3-4-3 option.”
The Italy Under-21 side won all its games in the European Championship qualifiers, except for the 2-1 in Poland when down to 10 men.
As Poland have a 100 per cent record, that is the difference between the two teams so far going for top spot in the group.
EMPOLI – MARCH 26: Luca Lipani of Italy U21 celebrates after scoring the team’s second goal during the UEFA Under 21 EURO Qualifier match between Italy U21 and North Macedonia U21 at Stadio Carlo Castellani on March 26, 2026 in Empoli. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
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“The lads understood they need to be a team, to have a clear idea of the approach and how to develop it. They’ve improved so much since I first saw them in September, also thanks to more playing time for their respective clubs.
“They must improve every day with what they do in training, remembering it is only thanks to good performances that you can achieve victories. Everyone tracks back to help, starting with the strikers.
“This also helps create the spaces for attacks from midfield, which is why so many of them have been on target.”
When Italy beat North Macedonia 4-0 last week, the goals came from Cher Ndour, Luca Lipani, Jeff Ekhator and Fini.
Italy U21: Palmisani; Favasuli, Comuzzo, Charodia, Bartesaghi; Ndour, Lipani, Dagasso; Fini, Ekhator, Koleosho
